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Ferrum Fol Hausmann

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Ferrum Fol Hausmann

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Method of action: Antianemic

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Ferrum Fol Hausmann

Quick Facts

Feature Detail
Primary Use Treatment and prevention of iron and folic acid deficiencies
Active Ingredients Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Folic Acid
Classification Oral hematinic (iron and B vitamin supplement)

Ferrum Fol Hausmann is a pharmaceutical preparation used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia and latent iron deficiency, particularly when an additional need for folic acid exists. This combination is frequently indicated before, during, and after pregnancy, as both iron and folic acid requirements increase substantially during these periods.

Active Ingredients

This medication contains two active components:

  1. Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex (IPC): This compound is a non-ionic form of iron. It is designed to be absorbed through a controlled mechanism that may result in fewer gastrointestinal side effects (like nausea or constipation) compared to traditional ferrous salts. The iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
  2. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): A water-soluble B vitamin, folic acid is crucial for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and red blood cell maturation. Supplementation is vital in conditions where rapid cell division is occurring, such as during fetal development. Its inclusion helps prevent megaloblastic anemia and certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects, often associated with a deficiency in this vitamin.

Regulatory References

  1. Vifor Pharma
  2. hemoglobin
  3. NIH: Folic Acid
  4. latent iron deficiency
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What side effects are possible with Ferrum Fol Hausmann?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The most commonly documented side effects associated with this medicine, which contains a ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex and folic acid, are primarily gastrointestinal in nature. These effects, including vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, are reported as occurring very rarely in official regulatory documents for the product. A change in the color of the stools to dark or black is expected and is considered a non-clinically significant effect.


Key Safety Considerations and Contraindications

Safety Class Description
Contraindications The medication should not be used in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, conditions involving iron overload (such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis), or anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency (e.g., hemolytic anemia).
Folic Acid Caution The folic acid component may potentially mask a deficiency of vitamin B12 (pernicious or undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia). A complete clinical diagnosis of anemia must be established before treatment begins.
Pregnancy Use The product is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy after the first thirteen weeks. Use during the first trimester or during lactation should be done only after consultation with a physician.
Overdose Risk As with all iron-containing products, accidental overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under the age of six. All medications must be kept out of the reach of children.
Monitoring Response to iron therapy should be regularly monitored by a healthcare professional. Caution is advised in patients with a family history of iron overload syndromes.
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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdosage of Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Folic Acid preparations is governed by the risk of severe iron toxicity, as documented in official regulatory profiles. Documented manifestations following an overdose may initially include severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting (which may be bloody), diarrhea, and intense abdominal pain. These can progress to signs of systemic instability, including shock and circulatory collapse. Severe outcomes are officially documented to involve multi-organ damage, including acute hepatic necrosis, acute renal failure, and encephalopathy, potentially occurring after a delay. The folic acid component is considered a relatively non-toxic substance.

Regulatory authorities mandate immediate medical attention and transfer to a hospital if an overdosage is suspected. This is critical because accidental ingestion of iron-containing products can cause fatal toxicity in children below 6 years of age. In the hospital setting, official management protocols involve monitoring serum iron levels, gastrointestinal evacuation procedures (like gastric lavage), and the administration of the specific antidote, the chelating agent Deferoxamine, especially for severe intoxication.

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Therapeutic Uses of Ferrum Fol Hausmann

What Ferrum Fol Hausmann Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medication is primarily used to offer symptomatic relief by addressing groups of symptoms related to diagnosed iron and folic acid deficiency, which is commonly associated with anemia. Its application is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and managing the resulting symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. The combination is commonly used to help with symptoms related to iron deficiency anemia and plays a role in managing symptoms related to folate deficiency. The clinical scenarios where it is used include managing symptoms during acute episodes of deficiency, assisting with support in conditions where functional stability becomes affected, and providing targeted support during pregnancy and lactation.

It is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, and during phases when symptoms become more noticeable. This provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden. It may assist with maintaining functional stability and offers symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations. This supportive assistance generally contributes to improved day-to-day comfort and helps maintain a sense of stability.


Quick Fact: Relief for Functional Strain Ferrum Fol Hausmann is commonly used to help manage symptoms that create noticeable functional strain, such as profound fatigue or general weakness.

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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile

Ferrum Fol Hausmann (Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Folic Acid) is subject to specific usage rules defined by regulatory authorities.


Classification Population Eligibility Status
Standard Allowed Use Permitted for adults and adolescents. Pregnant and lactating women are generally allowed to use the medicine, as it is often indicated to meet their increased needs for iron and folic acid.
Absolute Contraindications Individuals with iron overload syndromes (such as haemochromatosis or hypersiderosis) must not use this medicine. It is also contraindicated for patients with anaemia not caused by iron deficiency or known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.

Age and Conditional Use

Use in the pediatric population is often restricted to specific liquid formulations, with a strict regulatory warning concerning the risk of fatal toxicity from accidental ingestion in children below six years of age. Use is conditional upon the exclusion of a co-existing Vitamin B12 deficiency, as the folic acid component can mask its symptoms. Caution is also advised for patients with severe liver or kidney diseases and those with a history of gastrointestinal conditions like gastric ulcers.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define specific interaction patterns for Ferrum Fol Hausmann (Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Folic Acid), particularly related to reducing the absorption of co-administered medicines and formal restrictions based on the active ingredients.

Documented Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Co-administration with the iron component may reduce the systemic exposure of several medicines due to binding in the gastrointestinal tract. To mitigate this pharmacokinetic interaction, mandatory timing separation is required for the administration of the following:

  • Tetracycline and Quinolone Antibiotics
  • Thyroid Hormones (e.g., Levothyroxine)
  • Antacids, Calcium Salts, and other compounds that can chelate iron.

Administration of these agents must be separated from Ferrum Fol Hausmann by at least two to three hours, as specified in regulatory labeling.

Folic Acid and Exposure Modification

The Folic Acid component is associated with interactions that modify drug plasma levels. Folic acid may increase the metabolism of some Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin), potentially resulting in lower serum concentrations of the anticonvulsant. Furthermore, concomitant use of Chloramphenicol may reduce the hematopoietic response to folic acid itself.

Food and Substance Constraints

Regulatory information notes that Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), particularly in high concentrations, may slightly increase the iron uptake from the Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex. Conversely, the non-ionic nature of the iron complex means that documented ionic interactions with common food constituents such as phytin and tannin are unlikely to occur.

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Mechanism of Action

Repletion Mechanism: Iron and Folate Cofactor Supply

The mechanism of action is primarily a repletion function, supplying two essential cofactors for the Erythropoiesis Pathway. The Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex (IPC) is absorbed in the intestinal mucosa, transferred to circulating transferrin, and delivered to the bone marrow where it is incorporated into the Heme molecule, a core component of Hemoglobin. Simultaneously, Folic Acid (B9) is reduced to its active form, Tetrahydrofolate (THF).

THF acts as a crucial co-factor in one-carbon metabolism, facilitating the synthesis of purines and thymidylate required for DNA and RNA replication in rapidly dividing red blood cell precursors (erythroblasts). This dual-factor replenishment directly supplies the components necessary for erythrocyte synthesis, influencing cellular morphology and proliferation. The resulting increase in functional Hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte numbers contributes to the elevation of systemic oxygen-carrying capacity.

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Dosage and Administration Information

The use of Ferrum Fol Hausmann is governed by official prescribing information that specifies the required route, dosing regimen, and administration context. The medication is formulated as a combination of Iron(III)-hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Folic Acid, and its usage patterns are strictly defined by regulatory documents.

Administration Scope

Category Detail
Route of administration Oral administration only.
Dosing schedule Prophylactic Dose: 100 mg elemental Iron (one tablet) daily, typically used for prevention. Therapeutic Dose: 100 mg to 300 mg elemental Iron (one to three tablets) daily for manifest deficiency.
Timing in relation to meals Must be taken during or immediately after a meal.
Preparation requirements Tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole.
Age-group administration rules Generally intended for adults and children aged 12 years or more. No specific dose adjustment is required for older adults.
Special procedural conditions The score line is for ease of swallowing and is not for dividing the tablet into equal doses.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

The official administration protocol structures usage around a fixed oral route and a clear once-daily frequency for both prophylactic and therapeutic regimens. These instructions define the acceptable dose ranges and mandate a strict relationship with food for intake. Therapeutic use requires continuation for 3 to 5 months until the patient's blood values normalize, followed by at least one additional month to fully replenish iron stores. This structured approach defines the entire course of use from initial intake to maintenance.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Ferrum Fol Hausmann


Evidence for use in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

This section will summarize studies, such as clinical trials and observational research, that have investigated the response observed when using Ferrum Fol Hausmann in individuals diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. It will focus on how the evidence describes the patterns observed in the studies related to changes in iron levels and associated markers.

Research has examined Ferrum Fol Hausmann (which contains iron) in patients with iron deficiency anemia. The findings generally describe patterns related to changes measured during the study period in markers of iron status. Studies explored how the iron component of Ferrum Fol Hausmann was observed in populations where blood markers evolved in the observed populations over defined time intervals. What remains uncertain is whether the specific formulation, when combined with folate, provides a practical advantage over the individual components alone in all contexts. Comparative evidence is lacking for certain subgroups.


Evidence for use in Folate Deficiency

The folate component of Ferrum Fol Hausmann was studied for its role in conditions involving an observed lack of folate in the blood. Studies primarily monitored patient blood work, specifically serum folate levels, as well as the development of certain types of anemia. In research settings, studies monitored whether treatment with folate was associated with the changes measured during the study period in folate levels. Data are still emerging on the relationship between combined iron and folate supplementation versus separate supplementation in patients who have both deficiencies.


Long-term Studies and Follow-up

Research has explored long-term outcomes related to iron status, especially in conditions characterized by fluctuating manifestations. Follow-up studies, specifically those involving iron administration, was evaluated in pregnant women to assess the effects months or years after delivery. These findings highlight changes measured during the study period that may be related to outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. However, long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the durability of the response.


Evidence in Special Populations

The most extensive research examined iron supplementation in pregnancy-related populations with iron deficiency anemia. Studies have monitored blood work, and findings indicate that iron supplementation was associated with changes measured during the study period in maternal hematological indexes. For other populations, data for certain groups remain insufficient.


What is Still Uncertain about Ferrum Fol Hausmann

A key area of uncertainty is how the simultaneous use of both iron and folate within Ferrum Fol Hausmann compares to treating the deficiencies separately. Furthermore, findings were mixed when evaluating outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance across various iron trials. Research is ongoing to better understand administration schedules, as some data show patterns related to varying responses when administration is evaluated on different schedules.

Key Studies & References Guideline: Daily Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women – World Health Organization (WHO) (2012, updated)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ferrum Fol Hausmann (FAQ)

Q: Are there different strengths or versions of Ferrum Fol Hausmann available?

Official product information defines the medication as containing a fixed amount of iron and folic acid per tablet. Regulatory documents describe at least one formulation, which is a chewable tablet containing 100 mg of iron and 350 micrograms of folic acid. The official composition of this specific tablet strength is fixed.

Q: Are there any official reports of Ferrum Fol Hausmann causing headaches?

The official regulatory documentation provides a list of known side effects associated with the drug. The most frequently listed undesirable effects are related to the gastrointestinal system, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These official reports do not typically list headache as one of the reported adverse effects.

Q: Does Ferrum Fol Hausmann have any known effect on sleep patterns?

Official safety information often includes sections on how a medicine might affect the central nervous system (CNS). In relation to Ferrum Fol Hausmann, regulatory texts generally state that no information was submitted or that none are stated regarding effects like drowsiness (somnolence) or sleeplessness (insomnia).

Q: Is a sudden feeling of being hot described as a side effect of Ferrum Fol Hausmann?

According to the official product information, the reported undesirable effects primarily involve the digestive system. These include symptoms like gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Official regulatory documents do not typically list changes in body temperature, such as a sudden feeling of being hot or flushing, as a reported side effect.

Q: Are there any reports about Ferrum Fol Hausmann causing changes in appetite?

The list of side effects in official regulatory documents mainly highlights gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting and diarrhea. The official reports on adverse effects do not commonly include changes in appetite, such as an increase or decrease in hunger, as a documented side effect.

Q: Does Ferrum Fol Hausmann contain gluten or lactose?

Official regulatory documents list the excipients (inactive ingredients) used to formulate the tablets. The list of excipients for the chewable tablet formulation includes compounds such as dextrates and microcrystalline cellulose. Neither gluten nor lactose is typically listed in the composition of the active tablet form, though other formulations (like oral solutions) may contain different excipients.

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How should Ferrum Fol Hausmann be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Ferrum Fol Hausmann must strictly follow the requirements set out in the official regulatory labeling.

Storage Requirements

Condition Regulatory Rule
Temperature Limit Do not store above 30 C.
Protection Must be kept in the original package, be protected from heat, and stored in an airtight container.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Stability and Disposal

The stability of the liquid formulation is limited once opened. The oral solution must be used within a maximum of two months after the initial opening to ensure product quality.

Expired or unused Ferrum Fol Hausmann must be disposed of according to local regulations for medicinal product waste. These procedures are intended to prevent environmental contamination and ensure safe pharmaceutical waste handling.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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